Judge lets some lawmakers intervene in casino case

A federal judge is letting some Arizona legislative leaders have a say in litigation over whether a southern Arizona tribe should be permitted to build a casino resort on incorporated land surrounded by the Phoenix suburb of Glendale.

U.S. District Judge David Campbell’s order allows four Republican legislators holding leadership posts in the House or Senate to formally intervene in lawsuits challenging federal regulatory action that advances the Tohono O’odham Nation’s plans.

However, Campbell denied similar motions by 10 other legislators. Those lawmakers and the leaders are opposed to the casino project.

The consolidated case includes challenges filed by plaintiffs that include the city of Glendale and the Gila River Indian Community.